EUGENE -- Wednesday's ruling by a National Labor Relations Board director that Northwestern's scholarship football players are employees and thus are eligible to unionize was a landmark decision that prompted news of the school's upcoming appeal and reactions from players from around the nation, not just Evanston, Ill.

That included a handful of current or former Oregon football players who celebrated the ruling, which was led by the College Athlete Players Association. Former offensive lineman and current NFL Pro Bowler Kyle Long, former defensive tackle Jared Ebert, punter Dylan Ausherman and receiver Keanon Lowe offered favorable opinions on Twitter that echoed those of college players across the country.

Donald Remy, the NCAA chief legal officer, released a statement soon after the ruling disagreeing with its decision, saying that, “While not a party to the proceeding, the NCAA is disappointed that the NLRB Region 13 determined the Northwestern football team may vote to be considered university employees. We strongly disagree with the notion that student-athletes are employees.

"... Over the last three years, our member colleges and universities have worked to re-evaluate the current rules. While improvements need to be made, we do not need to completely throw away a system that has helped literally millions of students over the past decade alone attend college."